Victim Witness Assistant

POSITION TITLE: Victim Witness Assistant (Juvenile and Criminal)

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Victim Witness Unit Director

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

STARTING SALARY: $50,000 - 54,000 Annually

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor of Science in Social Work or related social science field.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: The mission of the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office is to thoroughly and vigorously prosecute criminal offenders in order to protect the citizens of Franklin County and obtain justice for victims of crime, as well as to professionally, equitably, and efficiently provide legal representation and advice to governmental clients within the bounds of law and ethics.

JOB SUMMARY: The Victim Witness Assistant serves as a support person for victims of violent crimes and acts as a liaison between the victims and assistant prosecuting attorneys. The Victim Witness Assistant is responsible for providing support to prosecuting attorneys, exercising good judgement and decision making skills and operating standard office equipment. This position requires high levels of confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish contact with victims and their families to explain the criminal justice system and their roles in the prosecutorial process.
• Assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system by informing victims of court dates and hearing information, providing emotional support, and courtroom accompaniment.
• Provide information on victim’s rights, the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program, VINE, Safe at Home program, and additional resources.
• Provide appropriate resources and referrals to victims.
• Provide safety planning and assist with obtaining protection orders.
• Receive regular training for best practices in working with victims of crime, particularly domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and homicides.
• Document notes in Matrix (both electronic and hard copy submissions) which requires the ability to assess sufficiency and accuracy of information provided, research other databases to link appropriate information.
• Schedule and attend trial preparation meetings with victims and prosecutors.
• Interact with law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and court personnel in the Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas (General, Domestic and Juvenile Divisions).
• Provide support for prosecutors in the Franklin County Courts including handling of files, assessing and recording necessary information, preparing and processing appropriate entries.
• Complete all other duties as assigned

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Understand and utilize trauma-informed practices and strategies
• Ability to make sensitive and insightful observations of individuals to determine a course of intervention.
• Perform duties with a high degree of autonomy, initiative, attention to detail, critical thinking and independent judgement
• Exercise flexibility during unexpected changes in daily schedule.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills when communicating, clearly and effectively, with victims and other professionals
• Understanding of the flow of cases through the criminal justice system.
• Organize work, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Quick learning ability when new tasks are required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Victim Witness Assistant frequently types, handles materials, manipulates office equipment, and moves to and from and operates copier and fax machines. The Victim Witness Assistant generally works in an office and courtroom setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The Victim Witness Assistant must be present in the office during normal work hours and routinely navigate to and from court, and any other locations (i.e. hospitals, FCCS, jail, victims homes, etc.)

BENEFITS SUMMARY

· Medical, Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health, and Prescription Drug Coverage

· Employee Assistance Program

· Disability and Life Insurance

· Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)

· Deferred Compensation

· Generous Paid Time Off Accrual

· Ten Paid Holidays

· Tuition Reimbursement

· Company-Paid Training and Development

· Commuter Program

· Potential for Hybrid Work Schedule

This offer is contingent upon a successful background check. This office observes COVID-19 protocols and may require employees to be either vaccinated or test frequently.

Submit resume to: Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office

373 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 - PRAT-hr@franklincountyohio.gov

The Prosecutor is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on color, race, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, veteran status, marital status, a disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.

The Prosecutor has a strict policy against any form of unlawful discrimination. This policy prohibits both discrimination based on any of the protected characteristics described in previous paragraph, and retaliation against a person who opposes or complains about prohibited conduct or who participates in any way in the complaint, investigation, or reasonable accommodation processes.

The Prosecutor prohibits such harassment by or against all employees, vendors, clients and visitors. It is the policy of the Prosecutor to provide a working atmosphere free from discriminatory insult, intimidation and other forms of harassment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $54,000